Uncertainties of the game of cricket notwithstanding, few would put their money on Ireland against their last league game against the protease tomorrow when the two lock horns at the deified Eden Garden in Kolkata. Barring their show against England, South Africa has come shown why they are amongst the favourites to win the coveted Cup. Their only concern, the lower middle order, came good when it mattered most against India. The protease did a commendable job in that match by maintaining composure when India were all but running away with the game. That win has given the already potent side a huge boost, making them look formidable against any opposition.
Ireland, to their credit, by far has been the best of the associate member teams in this tourney. However, they have long way to go before they knock ICC’s door to claim Test-status. That said, they have shown the spark and ability to move up the ladder of international cricket in not-so- distant future. Their win against the Englishmen would remain in cricket buff’s memoirs for some time and the innings Kevin O’ Brian played to record the fastest century ever in a World Cup match is near unforgettable. Ireland also gave the Indian and the Caribbean team a run for their money. Overall, they have done enough to win accolades in the cricketing firmament, which augurs well for them and the propagators of cricket who want to spread the game of cricket far and wide.
To get the better of South Africa would be a stiff task task, even for some of the Test playing countries, leave aside Ireland. However, cricket lovers would be happy to watch a closely contested match and would support the underdogs with élan, as is the norm. Don’t write Ireland off just as yet.
South Africa (probable): 1 Graeme Smith (capt), 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Jacques Kallis, 4 AB de Villiers / Colin Ingram, 5 JP Duminy, 6 Faf du Plessis, 7 Morne van Wyk (wk), 8 Johan Botha / Lonwabo Tsotsobe, 9 Robin Peterson, 10 Dale Steyn, 11 Morne Morkel.
Ireland (possible): 1 William Porterfield (capt), 2 Paul Stirling, 3 Ed Joyce, 4 Niall O'Brien (wk), 5 Gary Wilson, 6 Kevin O'Brien, 7 Alex Cusack, 8 John Mooney, 9 Trent Johnston, 10 George Dockrell, 11 Boyd Rankin